Kenya MPs in plot to block Hague prosecutions

A group of MPs has drafted a Bill designed to block their colleagues’ prosecution at the International Criminal Court.

In the Bill, to be introduced immediately the House resumes sitting, the MPs seek to repeal the International Crimes Act and pave the way for withdrawal from the Rome Statute.

The Bill is a follow-up on Parliament’s December 24 resolution for Kenya to stop cooperating with the court, which it accuses of politicising the process.

“The Bill seeks to remove all references to the Rome Statute,” said the group’s leader, Chepalungu MP Isaac Ruto.

“We want to ensure that no more Kenyans are tried at the ICC. The idea is against the spirit of a sovereign nation,” Mr Ruto said on Thursday.

“With the new constitution, we look forward to an effective Judiciary which can handle cases in the statute.”

Others in the group are assistant minister Aden Duale, Jeremiah Kioni (Ndaragua), Jamleck Kamau (Kigumo), Sofia Abdi (ODM Nominated) and Mohammed Gabow (Wajir North).

Mr Duale on Thursday said Cabinet ministers Beth Mugo and Kiraitu Murungi supported the initiative.

ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo has given notice of his intentions to prosecute Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, head of Public Service Francis Muthaura and MPs Henry Kosgey and William Ruto in connection with the violence.

Others on his list are post-master general Hussein Ali and journalist Joshua arap Sang.